PSC Reduces Monthly Surcharge for Florida Relay System

TALLAHASSEE —
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today reduced the monthly surcharge for Florida telephone customers from 12 to 11 cents. The reduction is due to projected lower costs by Sprint Communications Company, L.P., Florida’s Relay System (FRS) provider and review of the requested budget items. Florida law requires the PSC to approve an annual budget for Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc. (FTRI).

FTRI administers the statewide FRS that provides access to basic telecommunications services for more than 2.5 million Florida citizens who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf/blind, or speech-impaired.

“FRS provides a vital service to keep Florida’s deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired consumers connected to family, friends, and businesses,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “We reduced the surcharge and set the budget, while still maintaining the reliable services for those who depend on them.”

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, FRS facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using specialized equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information.

FTRI is a non-profit organization which contracts with 23 Florida regional distribution centers to assist consumers with specialized phone needs. For information on how to obtain the special equipment, call FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 (Voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (Text Telephone/TTY) or visit www.ftri.org